President Joe Biden issued last-minute pardons to Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, likely to prevent retaliation from President-elect Donald Trump. However, legal experts note these pardons don’t protect them from testifying under oath in congressional investigations. Cheney and Fauci could still be subpoenaed if Republican lawmakers choose to continue probing the Biden administration’s actions.
These pardons do not shield recipients from being compelled to testify honestly in civil, criminal, or congressional proceedings. Federal attorney Jesse Binnall highlighted that pardons remove the right to invoke the 5th Amendment, which could lead to more scrutiny.
Republicans may question Cheney about her role in the January 6th committee and Fauci about his public disagreements with Trump during the pandemic. Despite the pardons, both could face legal consequences if they’re found to have lied under oath.
Biden’s pardons are seen as a move to protect allies but might expose them to further investigations and legal challenges.
